Newsletter for Heritage/Academy Parents February 2013

AMERICAN HERITAGE • AMERICAN ACADEMY

Patriots’UPDATE Young Scientists to Go on to County CompetitionThe new year opened with hundreds of Science Fair projects on display in the Black Box theatre. Subjects ranged from chemistry to biology to answers to household questions. The display boards and the research were impressive and we expect much success for the first place winners who will go on to county competition. Historically, we are successful at that level and have had many projects go on to state competition and beyond. First place winners at both the high school and middle school level are eligible to compete county-wide.

AHS Science Fair - High School(First Place/15 eligible)

Zoe ZhouMiguel ParedesHarshath GuptaBo YouAngelica GousseKristina ThorenJude AlawaFarrah SklarOsvaldo BianchiSusanna BoltRachel GilfarbFrancisco ZhuSameer KailasaRachel ShapiroAdam BeharTrevor BirenbaumMayuri Visnawanathan

AHS Science Fair - Middle School(First Place/10 eligible)Dawson CohenHemangi RajpalCaroline BuecheleDiego RamosZara JoykuttySloane KapitSuganth KannanRebekah UmanskyJonathan MirchandaniNicholas MirchandaniNithya KasarlaMoriah BocusNilay NeeranjunCindy Reche

Sameer Kailasa, one of the first place winners, exam-ines the competition at the recent Science Fair.

(Left) Students visited the Science Fair during the week and were required to report on several projects they found interesting

A Pre-Med Christmas

The old calendar year ended with the traditional Pre-medical Society holiday celebration at the Chris Evert Children’s Hospital. It was a truly heart-warming event, as children’s faces lit up receiving the gifts they had asked for at an October pre-party. Heritage students spent over $15,000 to bring joy to the young cancer patients.

Hospital administrators were equally as happy as the Pre-med Society presented 11 flat screen TV’s and 11 DVD players. The TV’s/DVD’s were donated by the German Lange family and will be appreciated by patients for years to come.

Many members of the Heritage community participated in the party. The children were entertained by Heritage’s talented guitar students and the amazing a capella singers. The team from WAHS was there taking pictures and filming. Members of the Pre-medical Society were busy passing out pizza, talking to the young patients, and bringing out gifts.

Needless to say, this is an event to which the children and staff at the hospital look forward each year.

(See photos next page)

(Left) Students assist Rita Francz, Ad-ministrator for Christ Evert Children’s Hospital, and Calvin E. Glidewell, CEO/Broward Health Medical Center, unwrap one of the 11 TV’s/DVD players that were donated. (Bottom left) Stu-dents hand out pizza and other goodies. (Below) Advisor Carlos Pulido watches as Santa and one of the young patients assist a younger child with opening her presents. (Bottom) Santa adjusts his hat as he visits with one of the patients.

A Pre-Med Society Christmas...

Senior Chandler Moorehead was named a 2013 National YoungArts Finalist (for theatre), one of 152. On the evening of Tuesday January 8, the Theatre Finalists performed their showcase at the New World Center in Miami.

The National YoungArts Foundation today announced its 2013 YoungArts Winners. Out of approximately 10,000 applications, 685 emerging young artists have been recognized for their outstanding work and accomplishments in one of nine disciplines across the visual, literary and performing arts fields.

Of the 685 Winners from across the nation, 152 finalists participated in YoungArts Week in Miami from January 6 - 12. These 15-18-year-old finalists represent the top 1.5 percent of the applicants and some of the most outstanding students in a wide range of disciplines in the visual, literary and performing arts. The Finalists will be further adjudicated to determine additional award levels including a monetary award of at least $1,000, with top-level awardees receiving $10,000.

Senior Named 2013 National Young Arts Finalist

Shannon Farrell, AHS class of 2011, returned to American Heritage on January 9th as a student admission representative from Yale. Shannon, a sophomore, works in the admissions office and returned to her alma mater to speak with Heritage students about college life, financial aid, the residential college system and, most importantly, the admissions requirements at Yale University. Shannon began working for the admissions office last year, and getting the job was actually more difficult than getting accepted to Yale! Over 700 students applied for seven openings, and Shannon was one of the lucky seven selected to represent the college as a student ambassador.

Yale University, which has 5300 undergraduate students, offers over 2000 courses in 78 majors. To get an idea of what all of those classes are about, students have a unique registration period called “shopping,” wherein they can sample classes for a two-week period prior to officially registering. Yale also happens to be one of the most highly-endowed colleges in America, and that affords their students tremendous learning advantages. With one billion dollars in STEM funding, Yale’s science majors have a world of year-round and summer research opportunities at their fingertips. Students also have the luxury of small classes, with 75% of all classes having fewer than 30 students and the remaining containing fewer than 10. And unlike typical institutions, Yale’s dormitories are 12 distinct “residential colleges,” essentially self-contained learning communities complete with their own libraries, gyms, residential halls, dining facilities, student centers, and social events. A tradition that dates back to Oxford and Cambridge, these colleges foster student “families” and strong campus community. Shannon’s presentation also detailed financial aid and admissions. Yale is fortunate in that it can afford to meet 100% of a student’s financial need without loans. This means that it is actually possible for students to graduate debt-free and for less cost than typical state universities. To enjoy the benefits of such generous aid, though, one must first be admitted, a task that involves more than strong grades and test scores. Yale reviews applicants holistically, considering region, school, family background, and interests in addition to students’ test scores and high school transcripts. AHS is fortunate to have Shannon representing Yale to our current students, and Heritage is also proud that we have three seniors who have already been accepted. For students and parents considering Yale, we encourage them to find out more by speaking with Yale Admissions, scheduling a campus tour, or visiting their website at www.yale.edu.

The “New Ivy” Visits Heritage

AHS recently welcomed Grace Kiang, a college representative from Washington University, who spoke to over 30 juniors and seniors about admissions requirements, academic offerings, housing, student organizations, and financial aid.

Due to its recent recognition as a “New Ivy” and listing as one of America’s most competitive universities, the independent university attracts applicants who are involved, motivated, and academically capable. For 2011, WU accepted 5,300 freshmen, 1,600 of which joined the student body of 7,100.

Located just outside of St. Louis, WU also has a high diversity quotient, with 40% of its students being multiethnic or of international origin. This diversity contributes to a healthy number of engineering and sciences majors, but not at the expense of the more traditional humanities. According to Ms. Kiang, students are able to pursue a large variety of majors, minors, and concentrations, with over 1,500 course offerings from which to choose.

Our students were clearly interested in learning as much as possible from Ms. Kiang, as many remained after her 45-minute presentation to ask questions particular to their fields of interest. We wish each of our current 47 applicants the best for successful decisions at WashU.

Students Hear Presentations From Yale and Washington UPhoto: Students were interested to hear Yale representative Shannon Farrell (Heritage Class of ‘11) speak about op-portunities at the college. Three of this year’s Heritage seniors have already been accepted.

• Junior High School students who took part in the American Mathematics Competitions for Junior High School students. This is a very prestigious and difficult test. Twenty-five of American Heritage’s top math students took the test and, while they all deserve congratulations, the top four (4) deserve special recognition. They are:Suganth Kannan 1st Place Gold 21 RightAzzara Nincevic 2nd Place Silver 17 RightMax Ranis 2nd Place Silver 17 RightAndrew Kolondra 3rd Place Bronze 16 Right • Jordan Hope who performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He said that it was a “life changing experience...” Jordan plays tuba and was awarded the #1 tuba position.

• Suganth Kannan who won 10th place in the US National Chess Tournament.

• High School Speech Contest winners: 1st Place - Leah Ramsaran (grade 10)2nd Place - Ashley Westerfield (grade 9)3rd Place - Jared Sutton (grade 11)Congratulations also to Mrs. Hurtado and the entire English department for the hard work they put into this event.

• the cast and crew of Bat Boy, the Musical. It has been selected to perform in Tampa at the Florida State Thespian Festival in March.

Of the 49 shows entered the in the competition, seven were chosen; of the seven shows selected, only two were musicals. On March 21, the entire cast, crews, and orchestra will travel to Tampa to perform in the famed Morsoni Theatre.

• Elizabeth Herrick whose second film “Killer App” was accepted to the 8th Annual Macon Film Festival. This is the second year in a row that one of her films has been accepted to the Macon Film Festival.

• students who entered the 2012 FSPA Fall Digital Contest and earned “All Florida” ratings: First Impressions Story, Melissa Danz and Benjamin Pollack. Honorable mention: Multimedia Event Coverage, Grace King, Kristi Cook, Benjamin Pollack and Eduardo Serpa

• the following Orchestra students who represented AHS in January at the Broward All-County Orchestra: GOLD High School ORCHESTRA: Timothy Bang, Jenna Wheeler, Analisa DeVoe, Amy Zhou, Alisha Kabir, Jude Alawa, Kristopher Winselmann, Faith Forlenza and Jennie Balducci; SILVER Middle School ORCHESTRA: Nicholas Abrahams (7), Dawson Cohen (7), Kyle Lu (8), Daniel Lu (8), Kishan Patel (7), Nicholas Mirchandani (7), Paul Teng (6), Dorizabelle Northecide (6),Trishala Kumar (6), and Nithya Kasarla (7)

• student performers at the Florida Orchestra Association in December: FOA All-State 11/12 SYMPHONY OrchestraJenna Wheeler (1st violin)FOA All-State 7/8 MIDDLE

SCHOOL OrchestraNicholas Abrahams (1st violin)FLORIDA ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION Solo & Ensemble 12/1/20127 SUPERIOR WITH DISTINCTION SOLOS (memorized): Nicholas Abrahams, Luc Alper-Leroux, Timothy Bang, Nicholas Mirchandani, Austin Park, Kishan Patel, Kristopher Winselmann.13 SUPERIOR RATINGS SOLOS: Kyra Clark, Dawson Cohen, Gerrianna Cohen, Analisa DeVoe,Faith Forlenza, Nithya Kasarla, Trishala Kumar, Dorizabelle Northecide, Erin Pyper, Hershey Rajpal, Sophie Story, Paul Teng, Amy Zhou10 SUPERIOR RATINGS ENSEMBLES: Nicholas Abrahams, Lucas Alvarez, Timothy Bang, Gerrianna Cohen, Analisa DeVoe, Angelica Gousse (2), Alisha Kabir, Sophie Story, Kristopher Winselmann7 EXCELLENT RATINGS SOLOS: Jude Alawa, Lucas Alvarez, Jeanetta Balducci, Angelica Gousse, Alisha Kabir, Sally Moghaddam, Emily Ramirez

• Heritage journalism students. American Scholastic Press Association announced awards for 2012 school publications. At Heritage: ASPA recently released its awards for 2011-2012: Spotlight yearbook, 1st Place; Expressions , literary magazine, 1st Place; Patriot Post student newspaper, 1st Place with Special Merit. We congratulate the students who had a part in creating these publications and recognize the consistent efforts and quality that advisor Diana Adams brings to each of these.

Congratulations to...

Recent University of Florida graduate and Heritage alumna Krista Seraydar was recognized as Outstanding Four Year Scholar (Agricultural and Life Sciences) at UF graduation ceremonies held last spring. The statements below are taken directly from the ceremony’s commencement booklet.

“Krista Seraydar, graduates today with a Bachelor of Science summa cum laude with majors in Entomology and Nematology and Animal Sciences (perfect 4.0 GPA). She is one of four graduating seniors university-wide to be recognized for outstanding scholarship. Krista will continue her studies in the fall at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine.

Krista has received numerous academic awards and honors. She has been on the CALS Dean’s List each semester and made the President’s Honor Roll four times. She was recognized as an Anderson Scholar of Highest Distinction after her first two years of study and has received scholarships from the Entomology and Nematology Department and the college.

Krista completed the CALS Honors Program and her honors thesis research was supported by the University Scholars Program. ...Her research mentor, Dr. Phillip Kaufman, said ‘Krista is, bar none, the top undergraduate I have worked with or taught during my time at the University of Florida.’ “

Outside of the classroom and research laboratory, Krista has made significant contributions to student and community organizations. She was vice president of Gators for Gainesville Pet Rescue; she was also active in the Entomology Club, Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club, Golden Key International Honor Society. In March 2011, she received the Presidential Service Award for community service.

Heritage Alumna Recognized as Outstanding Four Year Scholar at UF

Josie Francois exemplifies what a stellar student and intellectual explorer should be. She has earned a full scholarship to attend Yale as a college freshman. Josie’s success is in part due to her strong character, dedication to learning, and a desire to become a doctor. Josie will be the first member of her family to attend college; she, her brother, and single mother emigrated from Haiti about 10 years ago.

Josie has volunteered extensively at Holy Cross Hospital and the American Lung Association. In addition, she volunteers each summer at her former elementary school, where she is in charge of helping and training the other volunteers. All told, Josie has amassed more than 800 hours of volunteer service while in high school. To be needed, helpful, and to use her talents for the greater good: this is what drives and inspires Josie. Her ultimate goal is to work with Doctors Without Borders.

Full Scholarship to Yale in Her Future

Josie Francois

ˇˇSun-Sentinel All-County Athletes/Coaches Fall 2012BOYS GOLFGolfer of the Year - Jorge GarciaCoach of the Year - Brandt MoserFirst Team - Kristian Caparros, Robert Geibel, Matthew MourinSecond Team - Tyler StrafaciHon. Mention - Alex Rios

GIRLS GOLFFirst Team - Claudia De Antonio, Alejandra Merchan, Andreina Merchan, Marisa MessanaSecond Team - Jamie FreedmanHon. Mention - Gabriela Ferre, Lorena De Antonio, Sunny Li

BOYS CROSS COUNTRYHon. Mention - Dean Michopoulos, Viktor Kurako, Nicklas Baran

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRYFirst Team - Daesha RogersSecond Team - Rachelle AlexanderHon. Mention - Calyope Ortega, Amanda Veve, Melissa Salazar

BOYS SWIMMINGSwimmer of the Year - Daniel SpasCoach of the Year - Nobutaka TanFirst Team 200-Freestyle Relay - Scott Clark, Julien Pinon, Digby Nothard, Daniel SpasSecond Team - Julien PinonSecond Team 400-Freestyle Relay - Julien Pinon, Nico Medina, Fernando Bohorquez, Daniel SpasHon. Mention - Fernando Bohorquez, Scott Clark, Digby Nothard

GIRLS SWIMMINGFirst Team - Jessica RandolphSecond Team 400-Freestyle Relay - Claudia Reyes, Lindsay Hay, Alexandra Pacitti, Jessica RandolphHon. Mention - Lindsay Hay, Claudia Reyes, Alina Schulhofer

BOYS FOOTBALL (CLASS 5A-4A-3A-2A)First Team Offense - Sony MichelFirst Team Defense - Mike Deeb, Isaiah McKenzieSecond Team Offense - Tyler Carmona, Tyler Cogswell, Scott WadeSecond Team Defense - Mark Aguilar, Carter JacobsHon. Mention Offense - KJ HerbertHon. Mention Defense - Darius Holiday, Tarvarus McFadden, Edgard Cerenord

Fall Sports Specialty Awards 2012Boys Golf: Jorge Garcia, MVP; Ty Strafaci, Iron Patriot, Robert Geibel, Patriot Award

Girls Golf: Claudia De Anotonio, MVP; Alejandra Merchan, Iron Patriot; Marisa Messana, Patriot Award

Varsity Football Cheer: Michelle Barrenechea, Most Spirited; Morgan Blackman, Iron Patriot; Vicky Walker, Patriot Award

JH Football Cheer: Adrianna Vincent, Most Spirited; Amy Garcia, Iron Patriot; Nija Packer, Patriot Award

Varsity Football: Isaiah Mckenzie, MVP; Luke Tennie, Iron Patriot; Mike Deeb, Patriot Award

JV Football: Anthony Nesselt, MVP; Adam Reed, Iron Patriot; Jarett Alfero, Patriot Award

JH Football: Jason Heintskill, MVP; Austin Sacks, Iron Patriot; Joe Weisberg, Patriot Award Varsity Girls Volleyball: Sarah Angulo, MVP; Ray Moncrief, Iron Patriot; Lindsay Sibio, Patriot Award

Girls JV Volleyball: Carolina Arango, MVP; Krystal Moncrief, Iron Patriot; Kelsey Johnson, Patriot Award

Girls Swimming: Jessica Randolph, MVP; Lindsay Hay, Iron Patriot; Claudia Reyes, Patriot Award

Boys Swimming: Daniel Spas, MVP; Scott Clark, Iron Patriot; Julien Pinon, Patriot Award

Girls JH Tennis: Ronia Dolabany, MVP; Caroline Buechele, Iron Patriot; Annabella Bowen, Patriot Award

Boys JH Tennis: Joaquin Oriol, MVP; Sebastian Perez, Iron Patriot; Nicholas Calle, Patriot Award

Girls Varsity Cross Country: Daesha Rogers, MVP; Amanda Veve, Iron Patriot; Rachelle Alexander, Patriot Award

Boys Varsity Cross Country: Dean Michopoulos, MVP; Spencer Bott, Iron Patriot; Viktor Kurako, Patriot Award

Girls JH Varsity Cross Country: Vida Lugo, MVP; Zara JoyKutty, Iron Patriot; Caroline Buechele, Patriot Award

Boys JH Varsity Cross Country: Nicklas Baran, MVP; Dawson Cohen, Iron

Congratulations to All Heritage Athletes!

2013 has already seen several successful events for the Upper School PTO! As this newsletter goes to press, we want to thank Mercedes Bradley, Charlene Moss Harper, and Linda Segall for their hard work in pulling

off another great History Day – actually two days. If you volunteered, you were able to enjoy seeing the amazing projects prepared by our students. Best wishes to the winners as they move forward in this national competition. Thank you all for your support and interest.

Right on the heels of History Day, the PTO hosted the second High Honors Breakfast. Thank you to our co-chairs for this event: Maria Alejaldre, Li-Ling Chin, Stephanie Gilfarb, and Becky Sputo; the football themed breakfast was a tremendous success, and they served over 700 students. Congratulations to the students who were invited to attend!

Many thanks to Kat Silverglate, Parent University founder, for her efforts in planning for and marketing our upcoming national speaker, Bena Kallick. The Habits of Mind are an identified set of 16 problem-solving, life-related skills, necessary to effectively operate in a society and promote strategic reasoning, insightfulness, perseverance, creativity and craftsmanship. The Habits of Minds were derived by Art Costa and subsequently expanded upon by him and his co-author Bena Kallick. At this Parent University program, Bena Kallick will present the 16 Habits of Mind and talk to parents about how they can use them at home. PTO is very excited to be able to bring such outstanding experts to our school and encourages you to join us in the main theater on February 7th at 7:00 PM for The Habits of Mind.

Nominations for the Upper School PTO Board and Committee Chairs for next year (2013-14) will open at our February meeting, with elections occurring in April. If you have an interest in becoming involved, chairing a committee, or joining the Board, now is the time to ask questions and explore opportunities. Please ask any of our wonderful board members about getting involved in the leadership team for next year. Having had the honor of serving as Upper School PTO board member for the past 3 years and currently representing you as our President, I know firsthand that our organization includes a mix of energetic, intelligent, and creative individuals with a wide variety of talents and interests. I encourage you to get involved with this exceptional group – we can become even better with you!I hope to see you at our next meeting on Thursday, February 14th, 8:00 A.M., in the gym.

Sherra Payne, USPTO President

Our Dinner with the Principals at Game Room was a great success. We had a tremendous turn-out. The kids enjoyed the video games while inundating their parents with their winning tickets. Thank you to Pam Tichy, our Social Committee Chairperson, for organizing this fun event. We look forward to our next and last Dinner with the Principals on March 21st. Location to be announced…stay tuned.

Our Lower School students will have the opportunity to meet Mike Artell. He is an author, illustrator, cartoonist and storyteller of children’s books. He will be on campus February 7th & 8th in the Fine Arts Building. Students are able to purchase his books before the event and have them autographed by Mr. Artell during his visit. If you have any questions regarding this activity, please contact our committee chairperson, Ida Rouhani, at idajoon@aol.com.

This month we look forward to our Heritage Helping Hands Committee organizing a food drive. This year our theme is “Heritage Has Heart.” We are striving to reach a higher canned goods collection goal than last year. Our goal is 4,000 lbs. Our collection last year was 3,404 lbs. A special thanks for the participation of our Upper School PTO - we are organizing the food drive as a joint effort with AHS Upper School students also. Please bring your canned goods by February 12th to campus and we will sort and box all goods on February 13th.

Our students will enjoy their classroom Valentine’s Day parties on February 14th. Please check with your classroom Room Parent for details on Valentine’s Day classroom activities.

Have a wonderful and safe Presidents’ Day Weekend. I look forward to seeing you at our up- coming general PTO meetings on Thursday, February 7th, & Thursday, March 7th, at 8:30 a.m. in the Gymnasium.

—Lucy GoldinLower School PTO President

LOWER SCHOOL PTO NEWSPTO

Upper School

On Saturday, December 15, 2012, the South Florida chapter of the American Medical Women’s Association held its first annual Women’s Wellness Health Fair in the Upper School library and 9000 building of American Heritage. Headed by Dr. Farzanna Haffizulla and South Florida AMWA’s executive board, it was started with the main purpose of disseminating valuable health information to community patients, but rapidly grew into an event studded with extensive networking, mentoring opportunities, and professional partnerships. With strategic planning and recruitment, the event was supported and attended by several hospitals, physicians, local businesses, law enforcement officials, medical students, community leaders, and patient attendees.

Complimentary comprehensive health screenings, preventive care information, health and wellness resources, and ongoing live lectures by local physicians and extensive networking and mentoring opportunities were offered at this highly successful event. South Florida AMWA continues to support outreach endeavors at both the local and national level. Many new members to both the local branch and at the national level were recruited during this event. South Florida AMWA’s health fair was the crowning event in a year filled with successful activities, which included their fitness sessions, self-defense and safety course, general meetings, CME lectures, and networking and mentoring socials. Though planning is ongoing for South Florida AMWA’s second

Monday

4Baked Ziti

Garlic BreadTossed Salad

Tuna Salad Sandwich

11Meat LasagnaGarlic BreadTossed Salad

Tuna Salad Sandwich

18

PRESIDENTS’ DAYNO CLASSES

25Pasta w/Meat Sauce

Garlic BreadTossed Salad

Tuna Salad Sandwich

Friday

8Chicken Nuggets

Tater TotsCorn

Turkey Sandwich

15TEACHER WORK DAY

NO CLASSES

22Baked Chicken

White RiceBlack Beans

Turkey Sandwich

March 1Chicken Patty Sandwich

Yellow RiceFresh Vegetables w/Dip

Turkey Sandwich

Thursday

7Fresh Baked Pizza

Vegetable SoupFresh Vegetables w/Dip

Ham & Cheese Sandwich

14Fresh Baked Pizza

Vegetable SoupFresh Vegetables w/Dip

Ham & Cheese Sandwich

21Fresh Baked Pizza

Vegetable SoupFresh Vegetables w/Dip

Ham & Cheese Sandwich

28Fresh Baked Pizza

Vegetable SoupFresh Vegetables w/Dip

Ham & Cheese Sandwich

Wednesday

6 Grilled Hamburger

Baked ChipsFresh Vegetables w/Dip

Egg Salad Sandwich

13Taco Bake

Yellow RiceCorn

Egg Salad Sandwich

20Grilled Hamburger

Baked ChipsFresh Vegetables w/Dip

Egg Salad Sandwich

27Corn Dog

Baked ChipsFresh Vegetables w/Dip

Egg Salad Sandwich

Tuesday

5Chicken Patty

Buttered NoodlesPeas

Chicken Salad Sandwich

12Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Tater TotsFresh Vegetables w/Dip

Chicken Salad Sandwich

19Chicken Tenderloins

Mashed PotatoesCorn

Chicken Salad Sandwich

26Chicken Nuggets

Tater TotsFresh Vegetables w/Dip

Chicken Salad Sandwich

F E B R U A R Y M E N U

South Florida AMWA’s First Annual Women’s Wellness Health Fair

annual health fair, sights are now set on National AMWA’s 98th Annual Meeting this March in New York. Marching forward with vim, vigor, and renewed energy for the new year, the South Florida branch leaders and members alike fully support National AMWA’s crowning yearly event. Please visit www.amwa- doc.org for more information on the American Medical Women’s Association.

Dr. Farzanna Haffizulla with daughters Nadia (grade 2), Anisa (grade 4) and Zarina (grade 8) at the Women’s Well-ness Fair